David Lester Knapp, age 83, passed away surrounded by family on November 3, 2025. He was born November 29, 1941, in Streator Illinois, in La Salle County. He was the son of Dorothy M. (Davis) Knapp and John Richard Knapp.
David was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Beverly J. (Knapp) Middleton; his brother, John Richard Knapp; his son, David John Knapp; his daughter, Chaunta (Gamble) Himes; his former wife and mother of his children, Joy (Jenkins) Schroader; and his later beloved wife, Marvadean (Henderson) Knapp.
He is survived by his sister, Janet (Knapp) Anderson; children Dorothy (Knapp) Lamar, Valerie (Gamble) Ferguson, Charles Gamble, and Maureen (Gamble) Westerfield; as well as many cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Throughout his life, David was a hard worker and a man of many skills. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps beginning in 1960. He then traveled the country with his family, working as a cattle rancher and spending time in Utah, Wyoming, Kansas, Missouri, and Kentucky. He later worked as a security guard and building superintendent, always taking pride in his work.
David loved woodworking and enjoyed creating with his hands. Above all, he valued family and the simple joys of life. He was deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew him.
